County director of corrections resigns amid internal investigation into misconduct

Coleman, in letter: 'I lost my way'

Shelby County Director of Corrections James Coleman's resignation this week came amid an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship, County Administrative Officer Harvey Kennedy confirmed Thursday.

"At this point, I don't know the facts" of the incident, Kennedy said.

In his resignation letter to County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Coleman admitted to having done something wrong but did not say for what he apologized.

"‘I was senseless and ignorant,' is how Psalms 73, verse 22 begins," Coleman began the letter, "and this describes my actions when I allowed satan to win a battle in my life."

Kennedy said an employee filed a complaint of misconduct about two weeks ago, and the county contracted an outside investigator to explore the allegation. Kennedy declined to say exactly what the complaint was until the investigation is completed, which he said should be soon.

Contacted at his Cordova home, Coleman said only "it was time" when asked why he resigned.

Kennedy has assumed oversight of the operations of the department until an interim director is named.

The letter, though, paints a picture of a remorseful man.

"I lost my way for a brief moment," the letter said. "I have repented of my sins to God, my wife, daughter and my church family. While I would like to continue to work at the division and to see the good things started come to completion, I know your policy concerning my actions and respect them."

Coleman worked in corrections in Nashville and Elizabeth, N.J. before taking a position in the Shelby County Sheriff's Office as assistant director of jail operations in 2001, according to personnel files.

He was given a commendation in July 2004 when he prevented an inmate from committing suicide at the jail.

"You are to be commended for your quick action and professionalism," Luttrell wrote at the time."It is vital in this case that I give you special recognition for this outstanding act of service and commitment to this inmate's safety."

A month later, Coleman was appointed to director of the Jail Division, according to personnel records. He was appointed to Director of Corrections in September 2010, with a salary of $125,000.

"I look forward to working with you as we begin this journey to bring the highest of quality services to the taxpayers of this community," Luttrell wrote in an August 2010 letter informing Coleman of the appointment.

Coleman closed his resignation letter to Luttrell saying it had been an honor to work with the county "in changing the face of corrections in Shelby County."

" ... I can only pray this moment of indiscretion on my part will not completely delete the accomplishments," Coleman wrote. "I have and will continue to support you and hope that one day I may regain your trust."

Editor's note: Coleman's original employment date with the county has been corrected.